Thursday, February 21, 2008

Rangers Hot for Boyle & Rucinsky; Close to Signing Avery

Larry Brooks of the New York Post says that Dan Boyle, who just a week ago was unavailable, may be back on the market. He is also reporting that the Rangers are looking into a trade that would bring back Martin Rucinsky in exchange for Marek Malik. And finally Brooks says that the Rangers and Sean Avery are close to a contract extension...

On Boyle...

"...The Post has learned that despite the Lightning's desire to lock up Boyle, little if any progress has been made toward that end.

Indeed, it is unclear whether Tampa Bay's incoming ownership will allow GM Jay Feaster to commit the $6-7 million per season Boyle is all but certain to command if the team can't first move Brad Richards and the final three seasons of his $7.8M per contract...

...The Blueshirts have one other thing going for them as well, and that's the no-trade clause that Boyle holds. Though nothing is set in stone, it is believed New York is Boyle's preferred destination if he doesn't remain in Tampa..."

On Rucinsky...

"Blueshirts are believed interested in bringing back St. Louis winger Martin Rucinsky for a fourth tour of duty on Broadway. Rangers would deal Marek Malik - whom St. Louis president John Davidson likes - but would need to get a defenseman back either while or before moving him."

On Avery...

"...the GM (Glen Sather) and impending unrestricted free agent Sean (Garbo) Avery are making progress in their negotiations, The Post has learned...The winger and GM are believed to be discussing both a one-year bridge deal and multi-year deal in the range of $2.85-3.3M per."

...lots of good stuff here from Brooks. Looks like Tampa is interested in prospects, so I'd have to see who they want before I get too excited about Boyle.

...I'm in for Rucinsky especially if it means shipping out Malik. I'm even more in if Davidson would throw in bruising defenseman Barret Jackman, who has been rumoured in numerous trades. If we make this trade, I'd pass on Boyle.

The only reason I like the trade is that we get rid of Malik. Plus Brooks says we only do this trade if we also get a defenseman in return. Put Rucinsky in the press box for all I care. Actually Dawes has been struggling lately and Prucha is hurt so there might be a spot for him.